The Chicago Bears may soon be faced an equally challenging and fascinating decision.
As starting slot cornerback Kyler Gordon nears his return from a hamstring injury that placed him on injured reserve in October, the Bears have newer signee, veteran defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, producing at a level few anticipated when he signed midseason.
With both DBs essentially playing the same role, Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will have to decide how to maximize two hard-hitting DBs who are both capable of starting-caliber production.
“He has helped — so much so that there are already questions about what kind of role he will play when Kyler Gordon returns to the field,” Bears insider Brad Biggs wrote on November 11.“That’s probably a few weeks away. This was the fourth game Gordon missed on IR, so the team can open the window for him to return to practice any day. Given that he has missed eight of 10 games and has been listed with calf, hamstring and groin injuries, they will likely ramp him up with some caution to prevent yet another setback.”
More on What Kyler Gordon’s Return Could Means for Bears Defense & C.J. Gardner-Johnson
GettyC.J. Gardner-Johnson of the Chicago Bears has played well in Kyler Gordon’s absence. What happens when Gordon returns?
Gordon, 25, remains a core financial investment for Chicago. The former second-round pick signed a three-year, $40 million extension in April of 2025, with more than $30 million guaranteed. He’s also an undeniable difference-maker when he’s on the field. Trouble is, he’s been injured every year he’s played, and he’s not on the field as much as the Bears would like him to be.
Over his first three full seasons, Gordon appeared in 42 games, starting 34, and recorded more than 200 tackles and five interceptions while primarily patrolling the slot.
Gardner-Johnson, meanwhile, has been nothing short of a spark plug since arriving in Chicago in late October. The 27-year-old DB reconnected with Allen, who previously coached him in New Orleans, and immediately became one of the team’s most productive defensive playmakers.
In his first two games as a Bear, Gardner-Johnson recorded 3.0 sacks, nine total tackles and a forced fumble.
From a financial standpoint, the contrast between the two players is substantial. Gardner-Johnson, whose journey since his championship run in Philadelphia has included stops in Houston and Baltimore, signed a one-year deal for $1.4 million.
Those who have watched both play in Allen’s system have to be intrigued by the idea of Gordon and CJGJ in the same defensive backfield. So, how might Allen deploy both players once Gordon is fully healthy? There are several realistic paths.
CJGJ & Gordon’s Versatility Will Be Key
Gardner-Johnson could simply remain the starting nickel while Gordon is reintroduced slowly. Or, Chicago could shift into heavier “big nickel” and dime usage, placing both players on the field together — Gordon in the traditional slot role, Gardner-Johnson as a hybrid blitzer, rover or robber safety.
The Bears could also expand Gordon’s role by pushing him outside more frequently. At 5-11 and 200 pounds, Gordon has the size, agility and play recognition to compete on the boundary.
“Gardner-Johnson could potentially be used as a dime safety,” Biggs also noted. “We’ll see how it plays out. First, Gordon has to be back on the field.”
With Gordon close to returning and Gardner-Johnson playing explosive, opportunistic football, Chicago now has something it has lacked for years — depth that forces thoughtful coaching, not desperate acts of improvisation.
It’ll be fascinating to see how Allen deploys them both.
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